WWE RAW had an amazing litany of talents who were responsible for several match-of-the-year contenders in 2017. Stars such as Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens kept the main event scene busy with their immaculate in-ring psychology.
Reigns’ former Shield brother, Seth Rollins, provided the impetus for the upper mid-card division. The Architect had a solid run as the Intercontinental Champion, with great matches against the likes of Finn Bálor and The Miz.
The women’s division of WWE RAW continued to thrive under the watchful eye of Charlotte Flair and Bayley. Now that we’ve had a recap of the red brand in 2017, let’s take a look at some of the best matches WWE’s flagship had to offer during said year:
Cesaro vs. Roman Reigns (Intercontinental Title Match – WWE RAW, December 11)
Cesaro was on a roll in 2017, putting on PPV-quality matches on weekly television. The Swiss Cyborg took on the Big Dog in Roman Reigns for the Intercontinental Championship in one of the final RAWs of the year.
This was a hard-hitting affair from start to finish. Cesaro’s formidable offense forced Reigns to change his strategy in the early goings of the match. The future ROH World Champion nearly got the win, but Reigns countered the momentum with a vicious spear to retain his title.
Braun Strowman vs. Sami Zayn (Last Man Standing Match – January 2)
This chaotic Last Man Standing Match between Braun Strowman and Sami Zayn set the tone for the rest of 2017 for WWE RAW. Then-General Manager Mick Foley allowed Zayn to prove himself against the Monster Among Men.
While Zayn didn’t emerge as the Last Man Standing, he did find solace in the fact that he was able to last 10 minutes inside the ring, let alone the locker room, with one of WWE’s biggest, strongest and meanest stars.
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins (May 29)
The thought of not being able to beat Seth Rollins in singles competition had haunted Roman Reigns prior to this match. The Big Dog had failed to gain an advantage over the Architect every single time, but fate would grant him the win on this very WWE RAW.
The duo engaged in this extremely physical match-up for nearly 16 minutes. Both men pulled everything in their arsenal out against each other. Reigns avoided a running knee strike from Rollins to finally hit him with the spear and add another impressive accomplishment to his ever-growing resume.
Bayley vs. Charlotte Flair (WWE RAW Women’s Championship – February 13)
Bayley had been dismissed by Charlotte Flair as a mere fan prior to this incredible showing from the Hugger. The 2/4 of the Horsewomen met for The Queen’s RAW Women’s Championship in the main event of show.
Flair had Bayley in the figure-eight leg lock in the closing moments of the match, but a timely run-in from Sasha Banks turned the tides. The Boss hit Flair with a crutch to the throat, allowing Bayley to capture her first RAW Women’s Title with a Bayley to Belly.
Finn Bálor vs. Seth Rollins vs. The Miz (Triple Threat Match for the Intercontinental Title – RAW, May 1)
The Miz restored the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship through his matches and promos in 2016. The A-lister arrived on WWE RAW with wife Maryse as a result of the 2017 WWE Super Shake-up. Joining him was Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose, thus bringing the strap once again within the reach of The Miz.
However, two other men wanted a shot at the workman’s title. Seth Rollins and Finn Bálor soon found themselves at odds against each other and The Miz. The feud led to multiple triple threat matches, including this number one contender’s match for the Intercontinental Championship in the main event of WWE RAW.
The three tore the house down with their in-ring storytelling. Bálor showed his amazing overall wrestling ability, Rollins popped some creative moves, but it was The Miz who reigned supreme due to outside interference from Bray Wyatt and Samoa Joe.
Also read: Best WWE RAW Matches Of 2018
